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I want to be a nurse but I can't?

J

Jelaca

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Hey all :)

Just wanted to say, I'm 19 years old, doing my second year of A Levels in Business, Media Studies and Photography... I have decided recently that I would really like to look into being a nurse, my mum suggested a while back that I might be good at it, and finally I feel like maybe it is something I'd like to do.
The only thing is though, I would have to go to University. I don't have a problem with that as such but one of the Universities said you need to have a science A level to be able to do the nursing course, and I don't have that, I don't know if I would be able to do one..

So I can't be a nurse :/ Does anyone know if there are any ways round this, any types of nursing that I could get into without going to Uni? If not, then thanks anyway :)
 
If this is your goal then you can do it. First look around the different universities as not all will be the same. I know in Vet Med you can become a nurse either via a college degree or a work-while-learning scheme. There maybe something like the latter for human nurses.

I know I don't know you from Adam but if you want any science help just ask; I've done plenty of degrees lol
 
You can do a foundation course at uni which would give you direct entry to a nursing course. Dont write it off go and speak to some of the good universitys for nursing. one Uni i would suggest is Hertfordshire (because I went and did engineering there~) Where i also worked with kids helping them to understand how and what they needed to get to go to uni.

There are ways around everything If you want it badly enough. I have never done maths or science but Im a qualified engineer.
 
I can see why a lot of universities may specify a science A level but that isn't an actual requirement.
The NHS careers site says:
You will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above (typically including English language or literature and a science subject), plus two A levels or equivalent. However, some universities may ask for three A levels so check with them directly

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by ... uirements/
and I had a look a just one University (ie the first one that came up) This one doesn't say that it demands an A level science either.
http://www.keele.ac.uk/nursingandmidwif ... 202014.pdf

My thought is that It might make it easier to get in if you had one though.(and make some of the subject matter more accessible) One thing you could do is work in a local hospital in some capacity (HCA) and in the meantime do an evening class in a science A level or maybe an OU foundation course in Science.
Both should show to a university admission's tutor that you really want to do this

There is also a career path for experienced HCAs to gain a nursing degree part time, whilst working.

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by ... assistant/
 
My daughter is a nurse, and went to uni, she didn't have a science A level.
 
The key thing is to talk directly to admissions tutors in the universities that interest you. University recruitment is constantly changing at the moment (believe me -- I know!), and there may be a lot more flexibility than websites may imply, but you need to talk to people directly to get a proper sense of what might be possible. Good luck!
 
Jelaca said:
Hey all :)

Just wanted to say, I'm 19 years old, doing my second year of A Levels in Business, Media Studies and Photography... I have decided recently that I would really like to look into being a nurse, my mum suggested a while back that I might be good at it, and finally I feel like maybe it is something I'd like to do.
The only thing is though, I would have to go to University. I don't have a problem with that as such but one of the Universities said you need to have a science A level to be able to do the nursing course, and I don't have that, I don't know if I would be able to do one..

So I can't be a nurse :/ Does anyone know if there are any ways round this, any types of nursing that I could get into without going to Uni? If not, then thanks anyway :)
Click to expand...

I would suggest that you get a job as a Nursing Assistant for a few months. You will then have a greater understanding of nursing and what will be expected of you. This will also help you to get into University if you decide it is for you as not everyone needs all the academic qualifications, a lot depends on your aptitude and personal qualities. If you are prepared to study anywhere, there are different criteria for different universities.
It is not as glamorous as the Hospital TV programmes would have us believe and many students drop out early on.
 
Some great advice, just go with your dreams Jelaca and if need be study for that A-level Science!
 
They specify science at A Level because the course is very heavy on the anatomy, biology and physiology. Having been there and done it, albeit 15 years ago (but dropped out 6 months before completion), I'd say do an A level in human biology. It will give you a good base of knowledge, which will help go a long way with your nursing studies later on!


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A lad I know studied A Levels and had further studying for an Art degree in mind. Then he decided he wanted to study medicine. With no chemistry or biology in his A levels, he had no option but to do one or the other before he applied and managed it in one year. He's now in his 4th year as a medical student.
 
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